Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Interests
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Tasks
Follow instructions from production managers and directors during productions, such as commands for camera cuts, effects, graphics, and takes.
Discuss filter options, lens choices, and the visual effects of objects being filmed with photography directors and video operators.
Collaborate with promotions directors to produce on-air station promotions.
Set up and execute video transitions and special effects such as fades, dissolves, cuts, keys, and supers, using computers to manipulate pictures as necessary.
Switch between video sources in a studio or on multi-camera remotes, using equipment such as switchers, video slide projectors, and video effects generators.
Train workers in use of equipment such as switchers, cameras, monitors, microphones, and lights.
Operate equipment to produce programs or broadcast live programs from remote locations.
Confer with operations directors to formulate and maintain fair and attainable technical policies for programs.
Schedule use of studio and editing facilities for producers and engineering and maintenance staff.
Supervise and assign duties to workers engaged in technical control and production of radio and television programs.
Act as liaisons between engineering and production departments.
Observe pictures through monitors, and direct camera and video staff concerning shading and composition.
Monitor broadcasts to ensure that programs conform to station or network policies and regulations.
Test equipment to ensure proper operation.
Direct technical aspects of newscasts and other productions, checking and switching between video sources, and taking responsibility for the on-air product, including camera shots and graphics.
Skills
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Knowledge
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Education
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
School Classes
Radio and Television. - A program that focuses on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages, and that prepares individuals to function as staff, producers, directors, and managers of radio and television shows and media organizations. Includes instruction in media aesthetics; planning, scheduling, and production; writing and editing; performing and directing; personnel and facilities management; marketing and distribution; media regulations, law, and policy; and principles of broadcast technology.
Cinematography and Film/Video Production. - A program that prepares individuals to communicate dramatic information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the making and producing of films and videos. Includes instruction in theory of film; film technology and equipment operation; film production; film directing; film editing; cinematographic art; film audio; techniques for making specific types of films and/or videos; the , use of computer applications to record or enhance images, audio or effect and the planning and management of film/video operations.
Wages
In 2007, the California average annual wage was:
$38,695 for entry level workers, and
$121,195 for experienced workers.
Outlook
During 2006, there were approximately 21,100 people employed in this field in CA.
We estimate that in 2016 there will be 24,700 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 360 new positions each year (1.60%). Additionally, 630 jobs per year will become available due to employee turnover.
Sound Engineering Technicians - Operate machines and equipment to record, synchronize, mix, or reproduce music, voices, or sound effects in sporting arenas, theater productions, recording studios, or movie and video productions.
Talent Directors - Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.
Program Directors - Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Producers - Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.
Appraisers, Real Estate - Appraise real property to determine its value for purchase, sales, investment, mortgage, or loan purposes.
Training and Development Managers - Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.